Heart disease is the number one reason for death in America. It causes over 850,000 deaths per year. Heart disease is a term used to describe several heart conditions. These heart issues are extremely common and can cause serious health problems including death. 

To prevent severe consequences, it is important to start treatment ASAP after the onset of the disease. Fortunately, there are a variety of signs and symptoms that can help you identify heart disease before it becomes life-threatening.

Don’t miss these 9 symptoms that may indicate heart problems. Read the entire list so you can stop trouble before it starts.

1. Sleep apnea

If you have sleep apnea or experience other sleep issues, it could be a sign of poor heart function. If you have sleep problems, make sure to contact your doctor to get it checked. You can make a simple at-home sleep test for sleep apnea. 

2. Skipped heartbeats

Rapid or skipped heartbeats are a common symptom of heart problems. You may feel skipped heartbeats in the chest or neck. This issue may appear while resting or at any time during the day. If this symptom causes you to wake up at night or is accompanied by dizziness and shortness of breath, seek emergency medical help. 

3. Leg cramps

Leg cramps can be a precursor for heart problems. If your calves hurt whenever you start walking and feel better when you rest, it can indicate problems with arteries in your legs. This condition is known as peripheral arterial disease. Peripheral arterial disease is associated with a higher risk of heart disease. 

4. Heart palpitations

The feeling of fluttering or rapid beating in your chest can be a symptom of abnormal heart rhythm. It is important to check whether the abnormal heart rate is related to physical or related stress and monitor how long it lasts. Pay attention to other symptoms like shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness. These symptoms can indicate that you have serious heart problems. 

5. Back pain

Back pain is another symptom of heart attack that is more common for women rather than men. This symptom tends to get worse when you are resting or sleeping. Pay attention to the time when you have back pain and contact your doctor if necessary. The doctor can help you identify whether you have heart problems or just need physical therapy for your back pain. 

6. Slow heart rate

Slow heart rate aka bradycardia is a condition when your heart rate is too slow. What's considered too slow depends on your age and physical health. But on average anything lower than 60 beats per minute is considered too low for adults. You need to contact your doctor if you have a heart rate that is lower than 60 beats per minute.

7. Fatigue

Another sign of heart disease is extreme fatigue and faintness. The sudden loss of consciousness, particularly if falling has caused a head or another injury, can be a reason for a medical emergency. Don’t ignore this symptom to prevent serious health problems. 

8. Poor erection

Problems with erection can be a sign of heart disease. If you feel difficulties achieving an erection and have other risk factors for heart disease, you may have circulatory issues in the pelvic arteries. This is strongly associated with disease in the arteries of the heart. 

9. Edema

Edema is excessive swelling of the extremities, both lower and upper, and unusual fullness in the abdomen. This can be a sign of heart weakness and fluid retention. It indicates that your heart isn’t pumping blood with its usual vigor. Edema isn’t an emergency complaint, but it still requires medical attention. The doctor can help you identify the cause of edema and suggest a treatment.